Watering Control Unit with Push-Button Matrix and Delayed Start

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic control units for watering systems require user presence at the time of programming and have limited programmable options, making it difficult to schedule delayed starts and provide real-time information on watering cycles.

Innovation Solution

An electronic control unit with a front panel featuring push-buttons for selecting program duration and frequency, a display for visualizing program details, and an electronic microcontroller for controlling the electrovalve, allowing immediate or delayed starts and providing real-time information on watering times, with options for manual operation and dual outlet control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotary switch with limited angular positions is used for program selection, then the device is easy to operate, but the number of selectable programs is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of selectable programsVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The program selection interface is segmented into multiple independent push-buttons, each corresponding to a specific angular position (0-360 degrees). This allows the system to provide numerous selectable programs (over 100 possible positions) while maintaining simple button presses for operation, replacing the limited rotary switch approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single-dimensional rotary switch to a two-dimensional button matrix interface. By mapping angular positions to specific button combinations, the system expands the selection capacity while keeping each individual interaction simple, effectively adding a dimensional layer to the user interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the first watering starts immediately at programming time, then the system is simple to control, but user presence at that exact time is required even at inconvenient times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidscheduling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the start time of the first watering based on user input. After program selection, the user can specify a delay period before the first watering begins. This dynamic timing adjustment allows the system to adapt to user availability while maintaining simple control through sequential button presses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration of the watering program parameters before executing the actual watering. Users can pre-set the program characteristics and the delay time in advance, allowing the first watering to start at a convenient time rather than immediately, while keeping the control process straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If no clock is used for program selection, then the device remains simple, but it is not possible to know the time to the start of the next watering or the end of the current watering cycle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidwatering cycle timing information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a display unit that provides continuous feedback to the user about the watering cycle status. The display shows the time remaining until the next watering starts and the time remaining until the current watering cycle ends, keeping the user informed without adding complex clock mechanisms to the control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit acts as an intermediary between the internal timing mechanisms and the user. It translates the internal program execution state into visible timing information, allowing users to know when watering will start or end without requiring them to understand or manage the underlying clock system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables a high number of programmable options, allows for flexible scheduling without user presence, and provides continuous awareness of watering cycle times, enhancing user convenience and system flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

controlled by electrovalves for programmed watering of lawns, gardens, flower boxes and similar spaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrovalve actuation: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS9220205B2Electronic control unit with one or two ways controlled by electrovalves for programmed watering of lawns, gardens, flower boxes and similar spaces

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 CLABER SPA

AI summary

An electronic control unit for programmed watering of lawns, gardens, flower boxes and similar spaces, comprises a front panel, a display, watering program selection push-buttons for selecting the watering duration and the watering repetition frequency and at least one start push-button for starting the selected program. The control unit comprises an electronic micro controller which, in response to the operation of said selection push-buttons, controls the visualization of the duration and frequency of the selected program and, in response to a single operation of the start push-button, controls the immediate start of the selected watering program. If the start push-button is operated for a variable number of times, the micro controller programs the delayed start of the selected program.